Story by Mthokozisi Dube
ZIMBABWE’s national football team, the Warriors, have been dealt an injury setback ahead of the Four Nations Tournament in Botswana, with four key players ruled out.
Scotland-based forward, Tawanda Maswanhise of Motherwell FC, is among those sidelined, alongside Knowledge Musona, Prince Dube and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.
Warriors head coach Marian Marinica has been forced into late changes, drafting in Washington Navaya of Hardrock, Jarrison Selemani from FC Platinum, Godknows Murwira of Scottland, and Mongameli Tshuma from Highlanders FC.
Players began reporting for camp in Bulawayo this Monday, with early arrivals including Andrew Mbeba, Mongameli Tshuma, Washington Navaya and Elvis Chipezeze, who took part in a light gym session. The full squad is expected to be in camp by Monday evening.
With limited preparation time ahead of the regional tournament, Marinica acknowledged the challenge of building cohesion within the squad.
“I wish everyone to enjoy the tournament, especially for the spectators to come in their numbers after a very long time. The tournament is important as it has FIFA rankings at stake and a trophy on the table, so we need to start preparing now and become competitive. We need to come up with a successful team for the future. As much as possible, we have a very short time to prepare. We will have two sessions, but we still want the players to gel. We have new faces we want to give them an opportunity,” he said.
The Warriors are scheduled to face Highlanders FC in a practice match on Wednesday as part of their preparations.
The Four Nations Tournament will run from March 28 to 31 in Botswana, with Zimbabwe expected to depart for Francistown on Thursday.
